Thousands attend the Chicago Pride Parade

CHICAGO — Many attendees of the Chicago Pride Parade say they believe it's time for Illinois to allow gay marriage.

Large crowds attended Sunday's annual event on the city's North Side.

It comes just weeks after 25 Illinois couples sued for the right to marry. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez have refused to defend the lawsuit, saying the state's gay marriage ban violates the constitution. Gay marriage opponents have said they're strategizing over how to intervene.

Eldridge Shannon of suburban Evanston attended the parade. The bisexual teen says gay marriage is a serious issue and called efforts against gay marriage irrational.

Police say there are no reports of trouble so far. Last year several floats were vandalized before the parade began.